British students are increasingly choosing long-haul travel to the United States despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, according to new data from Student Universe. Olivia Palamountain reports

Flight bookings to North America have risen by 34% compared to 2023, with almost three in ten student bookings now destined for US cities, says data from Student Universe.

New York remains the most popular long-haul destination, followed by Boston and San Francisco, marking a shift from 2023 when Sydney held the second spot.

The trend appears to be driven by savvy travel strategies and stable airfares. Student Universe travel expert Jill McElroy reports that one-way flight bookings, preferred by 65% of students, can save travellers up to £350 compared to return fares between the UK and US.

"The appetite for travel amongst students and young travellers remains powerful within an economic period of hardship," says McElroy. "In fact, students have continued to prioritise their disposable income for travel first."

Despite inflation affecting everyday goods, international airfares have remained relatively stable. While European flights maintain an average cost of £190, US-bound fares have actually decreased slightly from £698 to £689. This stability, combined with student discounts, has helped maintain the accessibility of international travel.

The data shows that 78% of students are interested in travelling this year, with many opting for extended vocational trips. However, cost remains a significant consideration, with 75% of students expressing concern about the overall expense of study abroad placements or extended travel periods.

The trend suggests a potential reversal of the traditional "Euro Summer" phenomenon, with British students increasingly choosing to experience their own "USA Summer" adventures, aided by competitive flight prices and diverse destination options across American cities.